Norfolk murder probe 'persons of interest' named

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A former workmate, a former flatmate and even her parents were named yesterday as persons of interest in the mysterious murder on Norfolk Island of Sydney woman Janelle Patton.

But Australian Federal Police detective Bob Peters said that while they had come under scrutiny in the investigation, there was not enough evidence to charge them with any crime.

"Community suspicions and rumours concerning those people have at times proved inflammatory and caused considerable personal distress," Sergeant Peters told an inquest on the island.

The officer, who led the investigation into Ms Patton's death two years ago, said inquiries had focused on those who were closely involved with her or had possible disputes with her.

They included her parents, Ron and Carol,

former friend and workmate Susan Fieldes, who was charged with assaulting Ms Patton, 29, and Charles Menghetti, with whom she lodged.

Ms Patton's killer or killers have not yet been found. Her killing, on March 31, 2002, was the first recorded murder on Norfolk in 150 years.

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Hours after Ms Patton was last seen taking a walk, her body was found in a public reserve. Sergeant Peters said a "prolonged period of extreme violence" had left her with some of the worst injuries he had seen.

Any DNA evidence from her killer was either washed away in a rainstorm after her body was dumped, or overwhelmed by the amount of blood Ms Patton lost.

Ron and Carol Patton, who were at the inquest, had arrived on the island to visit their daughter the day before she was killed.

Those closest to the victim were always questioned, Sergeant Peters said, but police interest in the Pattons had fuelled "malicious gossip and unfounded innuendo".

There was no evidence linking the Pattons to the death of their daughter, he said.

Ms Fieldes, who befriended Ms Patton while working with her at the local supermarket, also attracted police interest.

Ms Fieldes had arranged for Ms Patton to board with her neighbour, Mr Menghetti. But Ms Patton believed Ms Fieldes was having an inappropriate relationship with Mr Menghetti and when she confronted her their friendship broke down.

In August 2000 the two women had a physical altercation in a club. Ms Fieldes pleaded guilty to assault and later left the island. Sergeant Peters said that Ms Fieldes, denied any knowledge of or involvement in Ms Patton's death.

Police also questioned Mr Menghetti, who said he asked Ms Patton to move out after a week boarding with him. She had stayed up late drinking, played loud music and lectured him about eating red meat, he said.

Sergeant Peters is expected to name more "persons of interest" today when the inquest continues.